Previous Next

Returning from their adventures in Gauntlet and Gauntlet: The Deeper Dungeons, our intrepid heroes Merlin the Wizard, Questor the Elf, Thor the Warrior and Thyra the Valkyrie prepare once again to battle magic and mystical monsters in US Gold's sequel.

Before play begins, one or two players select a character and a colour. Players can choose the same character, but not the same colour. After that, the first six dungeons are loaded.

There are 100 dungeons, each one populated by evil creatures (including Sorcerers, Lobbers, Demons and Death), devious traps and obstacles. Repeated contact with monsters depletes energy, displayed numerically, although food and cider can be picked up to prolong life. Some cider is poisoned, and if drunk causes a loss of energy and makes control difficult.

Points are scored by either shooting creatures, monster generators, or by collecting the objects scattered around the playing area. These include potions, amulets and keys, which all have their uses. Keys are used to open doors, and both potions and amulets bestow magical powers such as extra armour, limited invisibility, invulnerability, extra shot power and repulsiveness to monsters.

Also lurking around the dungeons are devious traps and devices: stun tiles incapacitate players for a short time, force fields drain energy and take careful timing to pass, while crumbling and moving walls threaten to trap the unwary traveller.

I'd have thought that part of the original Gauntlet's appeal was the fact that it was something more or less fresh from the arcades. The enhancements in Gauntlet II are minor, insofar as they are gameplay tweaks and minor graphical improvements.

That doesn't necessarily mean that it's a bad game, but I'm left wondering why anyone would choose to play Gauntlet II rather than any of the other competent Gauntlet lookalikes on the market now?

The game is quite entertaining, but I can't say it's an essential buy.

I really liked Gauntlet, and although it was far too easy, I found myself constantly returning to it. Gauntlet II is more refined and has better graphics, bigger and more realistically animated sprites and... no bugs!

There are plenty of new features, including the 'It' and 'That' monsters, treasure chests, moving exits, extra types of shots, traps and hidden walls. The gameplay is far more challenging than the original Gauntlet and you really have to battle through levels - attackers seem to be much more vicious. The action is best enjoyed in the two-player mode, where any combination of characters can fight through the dungeons.

Some may think that this is a little late - especially with so many other Gauntlet clones out on the market - but if you still enjoy the format, Gauntlet II is well worth shelling out for.

I must admit to finding the first version of Gauntlet a little lacking in variety - a situation which has happily been rectified with its successor. The addition of new features, such as the stun tiles, forcefields and acid pools, plus a fresh cast of creatures make Gauntlet II a more than worthy adversary - and a worthwhile purchase in its own right.

The game's complexity makes the two player option a favourite choice, and you soon find out who your friends are when the 'It' monster appears (it tags you so that all the monsters chase you rather than your comrade until you leave the room or 'pass it on'!)

The game doesn't exactly belt along, but with so many characters, moving walls and missiles whizzing around, this is quite understandable. Grab a friend and play Gauntlet II.

Presentation 81%
Good printed and on-screen instructions. Two-player mode with any combination of characters.

Graphics 81%
Good throughout.

Sound 30%
Feeble title tune and poor effects.

Hookability 83%
Instantly addictive and challenging.

Lastability 80%
With 100 tough levels to battle through, there's plenty of long-term appeal.

Overall 81%
A great sequel, which should appeal to Gauntlet fans who still haven't tired of the genre.